1. The Sabbath year (1-7)

Every seventh year the land was to rest. It was not to be plowed or planted, and the vines were not to be pruned. Whatever it yielded naturally could be used for food, if it was taken directly from the field. Even the land needs a Sabbath rest.

2. The year of Jubilee (8-55)

The 50th year was the year of Jubilee. A trumpet blast on the Day of Atonement proclaimed liberty throughout the land. Everyone was to return to his own property. All Hebrew slaves were set free because no matter who else they might serve, they belonged to God. God redeemed them from Egypt (54-55). The land also belongs to God; his people are aliens and tenants, so they must be good stewards (23). The poor got a fresh start in the year of Jubilee. God's people must not be slaves to men or to materials. He created us; by his atoning blood he redeemed us from slavery to sin so that we might serve him. True freedom is only possible when men acknowledge God as the owner of their lives and property.

Application: Lord, thank you for true freedom.
One Word: Proclaim liberty and rejoice